Former Canlis Chef Jason Franey Moves to NorCal's Restaurant 1833

Food & Wine Best New Chef and James Beard finalist Jason Franey, formerly of Canlis in Seattle is moving down the coast and into Monterey, California's Restaurant 1833. A press release from Coastal Luxury Management, which owns and operates several restaurants in and around the Carmel, Calif. and Los Angeles areas confirms the move. Franey will begin his Executive Chef tenure at Restaurant 1833 this December. He replaces former head chef Levi Mezick who was promoted to Corporate Executive Chef for all CLM concepts.

Just days ago Canlis confirmed to Eater Seattle that they'd lost Jason Franey, and had started a nationwide search for his replacement. Franey, who was the fifth ever chef for the 63-year-old Canlis, was searching for a place where he would have more creative control, according to the Canlis brothers: "He wants to take it to even a higher level, he wants to be in a place where he can get a Michelin star, he wants ownership," said Brian Canlis.

"Today we welcome another paramount addition into our family as we look to the future for [Coastal Luxury Management] and Restaurant 1833. Chef Franey and our team plan on accomplishing many great things together," said David Bernahl, CEO and managing partner in a release.